Off-Duty NJ Cop Shoots Black Man During Alleged Car Theft Attempt

In New Jersey, a 26-year-old Black man Tysean Fitzpatrick was shot by a White off-duty police officer Basil Warren, after he allegedly attempted to steal the cop’s truck and run him over with it. The incident took place early Tuesday morning in the Delanco Township and an investigation is still ongoing.

After Delanco Township police officer Warren ended his shift at around 3 a.m. and was returning to his Edgewater Park home, he allegedly found Fitzpatrick stealing his personal vehicle. According to an account from a Fraternal Order of Police spokesperson, Fitzpatrick threw the truck in reverse and tried to back over Warren.

After finishing his shift at 3 a.m., Delanco Township Police Officer Basil Warren returned to his Stevenson Avenue home in Edgewater Park, Burlington County to find a man trying to steal his personal vehicle, according to investigators.

As Warren — still in full uniform — approached his truck, the suspect, identified as 26-year-old Tysean Fitzpatrick, threw the vehicle into reverse and tried to back over him, according to Peter Alfinito, Burlington County Fraternal Order of Police president.

The Delanco officer “fired in self defense,” hitting the Fitzpatrick twice in the back, Alfinito said.

Fitzpatrick of Willingboro was listed in critical condition at the Cooper University Medical Center. There were speculative reports that Fitzpatrick was shot twice in the back, but an official police report has not been produced. Warren reportedly used a department-issued .40-caliber weapon.